BURGLARS who posed as policemen to steal £1,500 have been described as “despicable cowards” by their elderly victims.

Second World War veteran Harry Short, 93, and his wife Norah, 88, from Headington, were going to use the money to buy Christmas presents for their family and to pay off some bills.

But the men, who had fake identification, took the cash on Wednesday after gaining entry to the couple’s home by claiming that the house had already been Tonight police branded the thieves “despicable” and urged people to help bring the men to justice.

Mr Short, a dispatch rider with the Royal Army Service Corps, said: “This country has gone to the dogs as far as I can see.

“Myself and thousands of others fought and died for this country so people could enjoy freedom, and this is how they repay us.

“These two men no doubt just wanted to get some drink or drugs. They are despicable cowards, who wouldn’t have lasted five minutes fighting the Germans.”

The men told the couple they were investigating the burglary, but as they went to leave, Mrs Short noticed one of them holding the money. She said: “I asked him what he had in his hand but he barged straight past me and started heading down the stairs.

“I started shouting at him to get out of my house, because I knew what he had done.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t do anything, because they were too quick for us.

“We saw them leave the house and walk up the street slowly, as if nothing had happened.”

Mrs Short, a former machinist at the now defunct Mowbray’s of St Aldate’s, said she no longer recognises Oxford as the place where she grew up.

She said: “I was born in Lime Walk, in Headington, and it was a lovely place where everybody knew one another. You could leave the doors open and not think anything of it.

“But it has all changed now. These people have no respect. What they did to us was horrible and has left us very shaken.”

Police said one of the thieves was 5ft 10in tall, about 25 years old and of medium build.

His accomplice was also white, of medium build and about the same height, and aged between 30 and 32.

Both were wearing black baseball caps, black jackets and trousers.

Police will now work with the couple to compile e-fits of the men.

The incident is not being linked with other recent distraction burglaries.

Dc Laura Auger said: “These thieves have targeted elderly and vulnerable people, which is a completely despicable act.”

Anyone who may have seen the men in Headington should call Dc Auger on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Anyone in any doubt about someone claiming to be a police office should call 08458 505505 to check their credentials with the police.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk